Food Tray With Non-Slip Inserts

ABSTRACT

A tray system may have one or more retaining portions for a container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into each of the one or more retaining portions which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on the tray and the container. The tray system may have a retaining portion for a beverage container with a slot to receive a stem portion of the beverage container as well as having a non-slip removable insert with a corresponding slit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/458,288, filed on Apr. 27, 2012, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/368,144, filed Feb. 9, 2009, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/421,552, filed on Jun. 1, 2006. These applications are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a food tray having non-slip inserts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many devices exist for serving food. Some systems include indentations and surface coverings but have known drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray system is provided with one or more retaining portions for a food container, the retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system may contain one or more feet which may be of a depth at least equal to the deepest recessed portion of the tray, such that the one or more feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray system may contain one or more non-slip inserts inserted into the one or more portions, which may be fitted to the bottom of the portions. The inserts may maintain grip on the serving tray and a food container and may be removable and reusable. The removal of the inserts may facilitate ease of cleaning and prevent buildup of dirt underneath traction surfaces. The tray and inserts may be composed of materials that are dishwasher safe. The tray may be stackable. The one or more inserts may be interchangeable such that inserts from one tray may be utilized for another tray, allowing a tray's inserts to be replaced or their color to be varied. The tray may have handles at two opposite edges thereof; the handles may have a slotted portion therein for gripping.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray system is provided with a substantially planar surface, with an upper and lower surface, having a first retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a beverage container; the second retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray system is provided having a substantially planar surface, with an upper surface and a lower surface, having a first retaining portion, recessed into the upper surface of the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a liquid container; the second retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar surface; and a handle portion located on the periphery of the substantially planar surface; a first insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container, wherein a first side of the first insert differs from a second side of the first insert in surface texture, and the first insert is configured to fit entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the first insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the first insert; and a second insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid container, wherein a first side of the second insert differs from a second side of the second insert in surface texture, and the second insert is configured to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the second insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the second insert, and the second insert further comprises a slit through the first and second side of the second insert to match the slot configuration of the second retaining portion.

Other advantages will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the entirety of this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top, angled view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a view of both sides of an insert showing the smooth side and an opposite side with a raised pattern.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B depicts a top view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C depicts a bottom view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6D depicts a front elevational view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6E depicts a rear elevational view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configuration can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As discussed above, various embodiments and iterations of the present invention relate to a food tray. FIG. 1 illustrates a tray 100 which has a main body including one or more retaining portions 110. In some embodiments, the retaining portion 110 may be recessed. In other embodiments, the retaining portion 110 may be formed by using one or more raised surfaces. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be composed of the chemical compound melamine. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be formed using a plastic. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be composed of wood, metal, glass or other materials or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be a tray with one or more handles 130 for gripping the tray. In one embodiment, the tray 100 may be a tray with handles at two opposite edges thereof; the handles may comprise a handle 130 with a slotted portion 140 therein for gripping.

The retaining portions 110 may be designed to receive one or more inserts 120. The inserts 120 may fit in the retaining portions 110. The inserts 120 may also grip securely to the tray 100. The inserts 120 may provide traction for serving containers such that when the tray 100 is not level the inserts may greatly reduce the chance of container slippage. In some embodiments, the inserts 120 may be silicon based. In other embodiments, the inserts 120 may be composed of rubber or other suitable materials or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inserts 120 may be permanently affixed to the bottom of the retaining portions 110. In some embodiments, the inserts 120 may be composed of non-stick materials. In some embodiments, the inserts 120 may be removed for cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt underneath the inserts 120. The inserts 120 may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. The inserts 120 may subsequently be reused. The inserts 120 also may be printed in a variety of colors, with various designs or logos so that users of tray 100 may change the appearance of the tray 100 for personal taste, marketing or other reasons by switching inserts. In some embodiments, the ease of removal of inserts 120 may also allow for replacement of inserts in the event an insert is worn or damaged.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a side view of the tray 100. The tray 100 may comprise a tray with one or more feet 200. The feet 200 in some embodiments offset recessed portions 202 and 204 respectively such that when the tray 100 is placed on a flat surface it may sit stably. The height of feet 200 in some embodiments may be equal to or greater than the depth of the deepest recessed portion of their respective trays so that they may achieve this stability. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be constructed such that the bottom 206 of the tray 100 is a smaller perimeter than the perimeter of the top 208 of tray 100. In such an embodiment, the bottom perimeter of the recessed portions 202 and 204 would also be smaller than their respective top perimeters. This embodiment may permit tray 100 to be stackable.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of tray 100. Inserts 120 are shown inserted into retaining portions 110. Some embodiments of the tray 100 may be a round shape, an oval shape, a square shape or other practical shapes. Other embodiments of the tray 100 may have a different arrangement or number of retaining portions. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may contain more than one retaining portion which may be designed for different types of serving containers. In some embodiments, one retaining portion 110 b may be designed for holding a glass or other beverage container and retaining portion 110 a may be designed for holding a plate. One embodiment of tray 100 may contain a retaining portion for silverware. Other embodiments consider retaining portions for multiple dishes for a serving tray. Another embodiment of the tray 100 contains a retaining portion for medical utensils to provide a safe, orderly arrangement during medical or dental procedures. Other embodiments of the tray 100 may have retaining portions specialized to hold containers or tools particular to a specific industry. While FIG. 4 illustrates the retaining portions as circular, other shapes including square, oval or rectangular shapes may be utilized. In one embodiment of the tray 100 no retaining portion is utilized and insert 120 is designed to fit a portion or portions of the top side of the tray and to grip to the tray directly. When inserts 120 are in place in retaining portions 110 they may lay flat and may provide a even gripping surface for food containers.

FIG. 5 illustrates view of both sides of the insert 120 showing side 120 a with smooth texture 500 and an opposite side 120 b with a design 510 to facilitate grip on moist containers. In some embodiments, this design may be a raised crosshatch or grid pattern. In some embodiments, both sides of insert 120 may be smooth. In some embodiments both sides of insert 120 may be have a design to facilitate grip on moist containers. A variety of designs consisting of raised or grooved patterns may be utilized so that insert 120 may retain grip on a food or beverage container when the container or insert is moist. The insert 120 may be placed in the retaining portion 110 of tray 100 so that either side is facing up. If the side 120 b is facing up it may facilitate grip on a serving container by reducing slippage of a food container if there is moisture on the insert or the food container. In some embodiments this may be used to reduce slippage of “sweating” glasses. The crosshatch pattern may be a pattern that is not significantly raised such that it does not significantly affect the appearance of the design of the insert but still reduces the slippage of moist food containers.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E depict a tray 600 which has a main body 602, having a top surface 601 and a bottom surface 603. The tray 600 may have a lip area 605 surrounding the periphery of the tray. The lip area 605 may be a raised rim. The lip area 605 may serve to contain any items placed on the top surface 601 of the tray 600 such as when the tray is tilted or otherwise moved, the lip area 605 may serve to prevent items from falling or rolling off of the tray 600. The tray may have retaining portions 604 and 606. In some embodiments, the retaining portions 604 and 606 may be recessed. In FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the retaining portions 604 and 606 are shown as being recessed into the top surface 601 of the tray 600. In other embodiments retaining portions 604 and 606 may be formed by using one or more raised surfaces. While FIG. 6 illustrates the retaining portions as circular, other shapes including square, oval or rectangular shapes may be used.

The retaining portion 604 may be used to retain and hold a container, such as a food or other container. The retaining portion 606 may be configured with a slot 614 such that a beverage container having a stem or other elongated portion may be held therein. Other types of containers may be held by the retaining portion 606. As shown in FIG. 6, the retaining portion 606 may have a widened, circular area 616 at its center that connects to the slot 614. The area 616 may be a cut-out or hole portion of the tray 600. By way of non-limiting example, the retaining portion 606 may be configured to hold a wine glass, champagne flute, or equivalent beverage container. The stem of the beverage container may be slid into the slot 614 and then the upper portion of the beverage container may come to rest on the surface of the retaining portion 606. The area 616 may enable the bowl or top part of the beverage container rest within the area 616 such that the bowl portion protrudes through the area 616 and downward through the bottom surface 603 to provide better holding of the beverage container. It should be appreciated that the use of the terms “beverage container,” “glass,” or “flute” or other types of beverage containers are meant to be non-limiting and exemplary only, as a variety of beverage containers may be held within the retaining portion 606.

In some embodiments, the tray 600 may be composed of the chemical compound melamine. In some embodiments, the tray 600 may be formed using a plastic. In other embodiments, the tray 600 may be composed of wood, metal, glass or other materials or some combination thereof. According to exemplary embodiments, the tray 600 may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe.

The tray 600 may have with a handle area 608 for gripping or holding the tray. The handle area 608 may have a slot portion 610 and an elevated arch portion 612. The slot portion 610 may be an opening extended through the tray 600 from the top surface 601 through the bottom surface 603. The elevated arch portion 612 may be a smoothed, curved area that is part of the main body 602 of the tray 600 and that extends above the top surface 601 of the tray 600 as shown in the figures. The elevated arch portion 612 may serve as an area which rests against the back of a person's hand that is positioned to hold the tray (in cooperation with the slot portion 610). The handle area 608 may be constructed to allow a user to put their hand in the slot portion 610. The user's fingers (with the exception of the thumb) would rest under the tray 600 against the bottom surface 603 and provide support from underneath while the back of the user's hand rests against the elevated arch 612 behind the slot portion 610. The user's thumb would remain in outside of the hole portion 610. The weight of the tray 600 may pull that arch tight against the back of the hand which assists in keeping the tray 600 upright even when the user's fingers beneath the tray 600 are not directly touching it. According to some embodiments, the tray 600 may be held in other manners using the handle portion 608 with a user's hand positioned differently than described above. For example, the user could position their handle such that their fingers wrap around the elevated arch 612 and through the hole portion 610 using the elevated arch as a grip portion to hold the tray.

The tray 606 may further have a hole area 618. The hole area 618 may extend through the surface of the tray and may be generally round in shape, although other shapes are possible. The inner surface of the hole area 618 may be conically tapered or cone shaped from the top 601 of the tray 600 to the bottom 603 of the tray ((that is the cone taper runs in that direction). The hole area 618 may be used to hold a napkin (not shown). The hole 618 may be of the appropriate size so that a napkin may be threaded through the hole and the hole thus holds the napkin in place. This feature may enable the napkin to be used to wipe off your fingers without having to pick up the napkin, as it is already standing up for accessibility. The conical taper of the hole 618 facilitates insertion of the napkin and also aid in holding the napkin in place. The conical taper alleviates any sharp edges that could cut through the napkin. According to some embodiments, the hole 618 may serve as a point through which a finger or other item may be inserted. For example, the hole 618 may serve as a holder for utensils. Utensil handles may be inserted into the hole 618. Additionally, the hole 618 may serve as an additional holding point for the tray 600.

The tray 600 may have feet as shown for the tray 100 and described above.

The retaining portions 604 and 606 may be designed to receive one or more inserts. The inserts may fit into retaining portions 604 and 606. Inserts may also grip securely to tray 600. The inserts may provide traction for serving containers such that when tray 600 is not level the inserts may greatly reduce the chance of container slippage. In some embodiments, the inserts may be silicon based. In other embodiments, the inserts may be composed of rubber or other suitable materials or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inserts may be permanently affixed to the bottom of retaining portions 604 and 606. In some embodiments, the inserts 620 may be composed of non-stick materials. The inserts may be removed for cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt underneath the inserts. The inserts may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. The inserts may subsequently be reused after washing. The inserts also may be printed in a variety of colors, with various designs or logos so that users of tray 600 may change the appearance of the tray 600 for personal taste, marketing or other reasons by switching inserts. In some embodiments the ease of removal of the inserts may also allow for replacement of inserts in the event an insert is worn or damaged. The inserts may have differing first and second sides as shown in FIG. 5 and described above, such that one side is smooth and the opposite side has a textured surface for maintaining a grip.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B depict a tray according to exemplary embodiments with inserts that are configured to be placed in the one or more retaining portions of the tray. The inserts may be as described above. The tray may be the tray 600 as described above.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict inserts 702 and 704 for placement in retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 702 and 704 may be shaped as depicted. The insert 702 may be generally circular in shape with a cut-out section from the circle 706 through which the stem of a beverage container may be inserted. The insert 704 may be a solid insert that is a complete planar circular shape (such as also described above in other embodiments). FIGS. 8A and 8B depict inserts 802 and 804 for placement in retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 802 and 804 may be shaped as depicted. The insert 802 may be a solid insert that is a complete planar circular shape. The insert 804 may be circular with a hollow section in the central portion 806. FIGS. 9A and 9B depict inserts 902 and 904 for placement in retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 902 and 904 may be shaped as depicted. The insert 902 may shaped similar to the insert 702 and the insert 904 may be shaped similar to the insert 804. FIGS. 10A and 10B depict inserts 1002 and 1004 for placement in retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 1002 and 1004 may be shaped as depicted. The inserts 1002 and 1004 may be solid, planar, and circular in shape. As depicted in FIGS. 7A through 10B the inserts may have a variety of configurations and shapes. It should be understood that the inserts depicted in the different figures may be mixed and matched beyond the combinations shown. Furthermore, additional shapes and configurations are possible for the inserts.

Some of the terminology used herein may be understood as follows: Melamine is the chemical compound (triamino-triazine—C3N6H6), comprising carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen.

While the foregoing description includes details and specificities, it should be understood that such details and specificities have been included for the purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the present invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as it is intended to be encompassed by the following claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A tray apparatus, comprising: a substantially planar surface, having an upper surface and a lower surface comprising: a first retaining portion, recessed into the upper surface of the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a liquid container; the second retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar surface.
 2. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container, wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second side of the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured to fit entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the insert.
 3. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container, wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second side of the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured to fit entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the insert, and the insert further comprises a ring shape.
 4. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid container, wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second side of the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the insert, and the insert further comprises a slit through the first and second side of the insert to match the slot configuration of the second retaining portion.
 5. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid container, wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second side of the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the insert, and the insert further comprises a ring shape with an arcuate section of the ring missing to match with the slot configuration of the second retaining portion.
 6. The tray apparatus of claim 2, wherein the insert comprises a dishwasher safe material.
 7. The tray apparatus of claim 3, wherein the insert comprises a dishwasher safe material.
 8. The tray apparatus of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises a dishwasher safe material.
 9. The tray apparatus of claim 5, wherein the insert comprises a dishwasher safe material.
 10. The tray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray apparatus comprises a material based on melamine or plastic.
 11. The tray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray apparatus comprises a dishwasher safe material.
 12. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a handle portion located on the periphery of the substantially planar surface.
 13. The tray apparatus of claim 12, wherein the handle portion comprises a single handle comprising an elevated arch portion and a hole portion which extends from the upper surface through the lower surface.
 14. The tray apparatus of claim 2, wherein the insert comprises a material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and rubber.
 15. The tray apparatus of claim 3, wherein the insert comprises a material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and rubber.
 16. The tray apparatus of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises a material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and rubber.
 17. The tray apparatus of claim 5, wherein the insert comprises a material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and rubber.
 18. A tray apparatus, comprising: a substantially planar surface, having an upper surface and a lower surface comprising: a first retaining portion, recessed into the upper surface of the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a liquid container; the second retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar surface; and a handle portion located on the periphery of the substantially planar surface; a first insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container, wherein a first side of the first insert differs from a second side of the first insert in surface texture, and the first insert is configured to fit entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the first insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the first insert; and a second insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid container, wherein a first side of the second insert differs from a second side of the second insert in surface texture, and the second insert is configured to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the second insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the second insert, and the second insert further comprises a slit through the first and second side of the second insert to match the slot configuration of the second retaining portion.
 19. The tray apparatus of claim 18, the handle portion comprising a single handle comprising an elevated arch portion and a hole portion which extends from the upper surface through the lower surface.
 20. The tray apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tray comprises a dishwasher safe material.
 21. The tray apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first insert and the second insert each comprise a material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and rubber. 